The 33 year-old spent one season at Stamford bridge and was part of the Blues side which clinched the Premier League title back in 2005, and he was tipped for a return this summer after turning down a new contract with the La Liga champions.
Despite becoming a free agent, he ended up rejecting a move to London and penned a new deal with Diego Simeone’s side.
The Portuguese midfielder explained how huge a role Simeone played in keeping him at the Vincente Calderon. He told AS: “The summer was very difficult. I want to explain [to] the fans what happened but there are some things that I can not explain because [they] are not important.
“At the end of last season, I received a great offer [from Chelsea] and it made me think about making a change.
“But I realised that the most important thing was to feel important at a club.
“I spoke to Cholo [Simeone] and he told me he wanted me in the squad in the next training session.
“From then, I could only think of rejoining Atletico and wearing this shirt again.
“I am happy and grateful to everyone and to the club for having me back. I will give everything on the pitch to return their efforts.”
By Phil Wellbrook
